The MolinaCares Accord Donates $30,000 to Meals on Wheels of Albuquerque to Reduce Food Insecurity for Homebound Individuals
Media Contact: Caroline Zubieta, Caroline.Zubieta@MolinaHealthcare.com, 562-951-1588
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – March 29, 2023 – The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of New Mexico (“Molina”), is donating $30,000 to Meals on Wheels of Albuquerque to expand food delivery and behavioral health programs benefitting New Mexicans. Meals on Wheels of Albuquerque seeks to combat food insecurity head on by delivering nutritious meals specialized for individuals ranging from infants to seniors. Additionally, the services will provide social interaction for homebound individuals in the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho communities.
Food insecurity is one of the most pressing issues facing New Mexicans today, with child food insecurity reaching a staggering 20.5%, the second highest rate in the country. Molina’s grant will provide $10,000 per year over the next three years to support Meals on Wheels of Albuquerque’s delivery program offering meals tailored to those suffering from chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure. Through the direct delivery model, volunteers not only provide a human connection to those they serve, but they can also help identify any changes in the recipient’s condition and alert staff to the potential need for additional resources.
“March is National Nutrition Month, and we are proud of our partnership with Meals on Wheels of Albuquerque to address food insecurity across our state for some of the most vulnerable members of our community, including seniors and those with disabilities,” said Carolyn Ingram, executive director of the Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation. “Aside from having limited access to healthy food options, food insecurity is also associated with increased rates of anxiety and depression. By supporting New Mexicans’ physical and behavioral health, this partnership closely aligns with Molina’s commitment to care for the whole person.”
Volunteers from Meals on Wheels of Albuquerque deliver meals to a wide range of individuals throughout the Albuquerque metro area and serve those in other parts of the state through the Meals on Wheels Drop Shipment program.
“According to the USDA, over three hundred thousand New Mexicans experience food insecurity,” said Shauna Frost, CEO of Meals on Wheels of Albuquerque. “Whether due to poverty, living in food deserts, or a combination of issues, our neighbors are going hungry. To compound the issue, many of our most vulnerable populations are homebound and experiencing isolation. Our efforts to bridge those gaps are made possible through generous donations, and we are incredibly grateful for Molina’s support and partnership in decreasing food insecurity in our communities.”
Learn more about the community-based organizations supported by Molina here.
About The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation:
The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation was created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities.
About Molina Healthcare of New Mexico:
Molina Healthcare of New Mexico has been providing government-funded, quality health care since 1998. The Company serves members through Medicare and Health Insurance Marketplace programs throughout New Mexico. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, served approximately 5.3 million members as of December 31, 2022.
About Meals on Wheels of New Mexico:
Meals on Wheels of New Mexico is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation founded in 1972 with 20 clients and 40 volunteers. Today the organization serves approximately 1,400 clients and has over 500 volunteers. Meals on Wheels delivered 9,400 meals in 1972. Today they are delivering over 150,000 meals per year. Meals on Wheels of Albuquerque provides nutritious meals and crucial social contact each day. Not only do they provide friendship and compassion, but they also check the well-being of those they serve. For more information, visit https://mow-nm.org.
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